In recent years, we’ve seen a boom in nutricosmetics, with the demand for products that address skin health and healthy ageing surging across demographics—this growth being attributed to behavioural changes. People are increasingly embracing skincare as a lifetime practice. For instance, we’re seeing consumers in their twenties and thirties start to invest in upscale skin health and preventative ageing measures, which bodes well for the industry's growth both now and in the years to come.

The evolving nutricosmetics market and growth considerations

When looking at specific category growth, collagen in particular has exploded. The global collagen market is expected to reach $7.5 billion by 2027, according to a new report from Grand View Research. This is exponential, especially considering that just 10 years ago, the general population was not fully aware of collagen and its benefits. Now, collagen is emerging through a wide range of applications, and thanks to a growing body of research, consumers are becoming more aware of its benefits for healthy ageing.

Additioanlly and at this pivotal time, it's important to focus on the immediate changes we’ve seen over the last two months. As the global population practices social distancing, consumers are facing changes to their usual routines, including grooming and skin care—which has led to an unprecedented level of demand for nutricosmetics that can be used at home. These purchasing patterns could have a lasting impact on the way consumers view beauty and wellness for years to come.

Consumers are seeking solutions that are safe and effective yet still deliver results in lieu of visits to the spa and dermatologist. They’re also looking to simplify their regimens and are turning to products that can provide multidimensional support from within. We’ve seen many turn to products that contain collagen for this reason, as there is known science surrounding improved skin health as well as internal support for healthy connective tissues and joints.

Right now, we’re seeing experts formulate personalised, target-specific products that resonate with consumer interest. We’re also seeing consumers simplify their regimens, by turning to products that have a multitude of benefits to address their needs.

Collagen in a nutshell

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the human body. There are at least 28 different types of collagen which relate to their source tissue in the body. Collagen types I and III coexist in skin and bone tissues, whilst collagen type II comes from cartilage, where it makes up most of the protein content and coexists with glycosaminoglycans chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. Collagen type II is more valuable due to the scarcity of its source and unique molecular composition.

With age, the skin loses collagen and hyaluronic acid, leading to visible signs of ageing in the form of wrinkles, moisture loss and sagging skin. Because of this, collagen has become an increasingly popular supplement for a range of applications, including cosmetics and dietary supplements.

That said, this increase in production has led to many generalisations. It’s important to note that determining bioequivalence is nearly impossible when comparing different collagen ingredients. Collagen ingredients are complex, and various methods need to be used to characterize the quality of the ingredient at the supply level. For consumers looking to get the full benefits of collagen, it’s crucial to look to ingredients that can provide multidimensional support and are supported by clinical trials.

New science for BioCell

The collagen that we as BioCell manufacture is uniquely positioned in that it is a clinically studied dietary ingredient composed of naturally-occurring hydrolysed collagen type II peptides, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid. The synergy of biomolecules found in BioCell Collagen's unique matrix plays a major role in its efficacy. 

Decades of research support the safety, and efficacy of BioCell Collagen for significantly improving visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet and for providing internal support for healthy connective tissues and joints. Most recently, a peer-reviewed study published in the May issue of Journal of Functional Foods found that oral supplementation of BioCell reduced signs of uvb-induced photoageing, with significant decreases in wrinkles and transepidermal water loss, and significant increases in skin elasticity and hyaluronic acid content. These findings, along with prior studies in humans, add to a deep body of research on the efficacy of collagen as a safe and effective option for a healthy ageing routine, especially in combination products such as a quality topical sunscreen.

Dietary supplement manufacturers and formulators are seeking clinically studied, branded ingredients, to include in their products that enable them to make reliable and more specific claims. Product developers are actively seeking ingredients with clinically-proven ability to reduce facial lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet while improving skin elasticity and reducing skin dryness—marketable claims that consumers can understand.

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